Order of Leopold (Belgium)

The Order of Leopold (Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold) is one of the three (current) Belgian national honorary orders of knighthood. It is the highest order of Belgium. It is named in honour of KingLeopold I. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civilian division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel. The decoration was established on 11 July 1832. It is awarded for extreme bravery in combat or for meritorious service of immense benefit to the Belgian nation.[1] The Order of Leopold is awarded by Royal Decree.